Nepals sex workers from the Badi community, who are demanding an alternative source of livelihood, have dared to come out nude if their demands are not met soon.
Kathmandu, Aug 21 : Nepal's sex workers from the Badi community, who are demanding an alternative source of livelihood, have dared to come out nude if their demands are not met soon.
About 400 male members of the community staged a semi-nude demonstration here on Monday demanding social respect and an alternative source of livelihood from the government.
A significant number of Badi women continue to earn their livelihoods by engaging in prostitution. Children born in the Badi community are denied citizenship and civic rights.
"If the government does not pay heed to our demands, we will go on protesting. It may come to a stage when even a Badi women may come out naked, if the government does not take it seriously," said Rajib Nepali, a protestor.
"It is not the issue of sex licenses for them, it is the provision of respectful alternate jobs," Rajib added.
The problem of the community has been further intensified, by its lack of access to citizenship. Citizenship requires official recognition, generally secured in Nepal through a birth certificate or at least through a father's name and address.
"If our demands are not met in the coming days, we women will also be compelled to strip," said Rama Devi, another protester.
In a historic judgement in 2005, Nepal's Supreme Court ordered the government to provide citizenship to and register the birth of every child born in the country, even those whose parents are unknown, including the Badi community.
ANI